His service in local government follows a 22-year career in various roles in the private sector before joining Westminster City Council in 2002.

He was appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Westminster City Council in 2006 and was awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours in January 2008 for services to the Metropolitan Special Constabulary.

He joined Westminster City Council in 2002 where he gained a reputation for organisational change which cut bureaucracy and focussed frontline services. He also led on a major renewal of the West End ahead of 2012 with revamps planned for Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, including a new £5million diagonal crossing at Oxford Circus inspired by Tokyo's famous Shibuya crossing and a £16.5m redesign of world famous Leicester Square.

Under his tenure the council also negotiated the first ever deal of its kind between a local authority and private developer, with property giant Grosvenor funding £10million worth of improvements to public streets around its holdings.

Westminster City Council has a £1bn turnover (twice that of Brighton & Hove) and sets the second lowest council tax in the country. It is also one of only 13 local authorities to be given the top four star rating by the Audit Commission continuously for the past seven years.

Mr Barradell said: “I am absolutely delighted to be asked to lead such an ambitious and innovative organisation in these challenging times. Brighton & Hove City Council is continually improving the way it provides services to residents and I want the organisation to perform even better.”

Council Leader Mary Mears said: “I’m very pleased to have been involved in John’s selection as I believe the council has got the right person for the job. John’s track record is impressive and I am confident he will bring vision and leadership to the city.

”This was a unanimous decision by the appointing panel, which included the leaders and convenor of all the parties.”

The appointing panel consisted of Cllrs Mary Mears (Con), Brian Oxley (Con), Dee Simson (Con), Gill Mitchell (Lab), Bill Randall (Green) and Paul Elgood (Lib Dem).

The appointment is subject to a formal agreement at a special meeting of the Full Council. The Council will make a further announcement when Mr Barradell’s start date becomes known.